Q: I’ve been dating a man since January 2006, and we’ve fallen in love. Although we have been intimate, we’ve never had intercourse because he has erectile dysfunction due to diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. I’m a bit frustrated. I really do love and care about him. He’s a good man. Can our relationship make it? Do relationships survive without sex? He’s 54, and I’m 52.

-Karen T.

A: Hi Karen,

I’m sure there are a lot of people reading this today who are in similar situations and wondering the same thing. So, let me get straight to the point here. Of course, relationships last without sex! Everyday illness and injury impact the sex lives of countless couples, but if there is true love in one’s heart, the lack of ability to have intercourse doesn’t threaten or break that bond. Once two hearts are joined in the spirit of true love, sexual performance becomes much less important.

Remember, there are a variety of other ways to create intimacy that don’t involve intercourse, and there are also new medical advances that address ED. However, when all is said and done, the real answer to this question lies with you, Karen. It doesn’t matter what others think or do because, at the end of the day, it is YOU who must answer this question. People exist in wonderful and satisfying relationships without intercourse all the time. The question is… can you? To answer that question, I suggest you commit to some short-term counseling and investigate this issue with a trained professional. All things are possible when love is the motivation.